Gaudete

Because Christmas is almost hereBecause dancing fits so well with musicBecause inside baby clothes are miracles.GaudeteBecause some people love youBecause of chocolateBecause pain does not last foreverBecause Santa Claus is coming.GaudeteBecause of laughterBecause there really are angelsBecause your fingers fit your handsBecause forgiveness is yours for the askingBecause of childrenBecause of parents.GaudeteBecause the blind see.And the lame walk.GaudeteBecause lepers are cleanAnd the deaf hear.GaudeteBecause the dead will live againAnd there is good news for the poor.GaudeteBecause of ChristmasBecause of JesusYou rejoice.

Brad Reynolds, S.J., a photographer and artist in residence at Gonzaga University, Spokane, Wash., is also the author of several mystery novels.

Thank you for the Christmas gift from America by Brad Reynolds, SJ. Gaudete is a beautiful gift to all of us, a reminder, a focusing lens. For me there was something transforming about the poem and the photo together. I came home from work this evening and found myself transfixed again by the photograph. What an absolutely perfect image of the goodness of life. Gaudete indeed!

Thank you for the Christmas gift from America by Brad Reynolds, SJ. Gaudete is a beautiful gift to all of us, a reminder, a focusing lens. For me there was something transforming about the poem and the photo together. I came home from work this evening and found myself transfixed again by the photograph. What an absolutely perfect image of the goodness of life. Gaudete indeed!